Arts and Humanities Fields and Graduate Pathways
There are a variety of different types of programs, so we recommend reviewing the pathways overview below. Keep in mind that each program and program type have unique applications.
Performing Arts & Entertainment
Film and TV Programs | Focus | Career Pathways |
|---|---|---|
MA and MFA Programs in Writing, Directing or Producing MA programs often emphasize theory, criticism, or industry studies, while MFA programs are more practice-based and focused on directing, writing, producing, or screen creation. | Prepares students to create, analyze, and manage visual storytelling across film, streaming, and broadcast media. | Screenwriter Director Producer Development executive Film/TV editor |
Theater and Comedy Programs | Focus | Career Pathways |
|---|---|---|
MA and MFA Programs in Playwriting, Acting, Directing and Stage Management Specialized concentrations in comedy writing, sketch, and screenwriting | Advanced training in acting, directing, and playwriting Professional portfolio development through rigorous performance workshops and collaborative thesis projects | Playwright Theater Director Dramaturg Producer Stage manager Artistic Administrator |
Music Program(s) | Focus | Career Pathways |
|---|---|---|
MA, MM (Master of Music), DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) in Music Performance, Film Scoring and Composition, or Music Production | Advanced training across diverse fields including classical or jazz performance, music education, musicology, and composition Intensive private studio lessons, large-scale ensemble collaborations, and original research or recitals | Professional Performer Composer Music Producer Music Director Recording Artist College-level Music Instructor |
Visual Arts & Museums
Visual Arts Program(s) | Focus | Career Pathways |
|---|---|---|
MFA or MA | Advanced studio training across diverse disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, digital media, and curatorial studies Intensive studio practice, rigorous critical theory seminars, and faculty mentorship, culminating in thesis exhibition | Professional Artist Gallery Artist Art Educator Curatorial Assistant Community Arts Programmer Creative Director |
Art History, Museum Studies, Curation, & Administration Program(s) | Focus | Career Pathways |
|---|---|---|
MA or PhD | Advanced research in art history with practical training in heritage management, exhibition design, and museum administration Hands-on archival research and professional museum internships | Curator Museum Educator Collections Manager Archivist Heritage Manager Museum Administrator Art Historian University Professor |
Arts Management and Development Program(s) | Focus | Career Pathways |
|---|---|---|
MA or MS | Combines business strategy with cultural advocacy, focusing on fundraising, marketing, policy, financial management, and community engagement Strategic internships and consultancy projects with cultural institutions | Arts Administrator Development/Fundraising Manager Program Director Cultural Policy Analyst Marketing and Communications Manager Executive Director of Arts Organizations |
Architecture and Urban Design
Architecture and Urban Design Programs | Focus | Career Pathways |
|---|---|---|
Master of Architecture (MArch), Master of Urban Planning (MUP), Master of Urban Design (MUD), MS, PhD in Architecture or Urban Planning, and Master of Science in Architecture Studies (SMArchs) | Integrated advanced spatial design with urban theory, focusing on sustainable development, resilient infrastructure, digital fabrication, and public policy Rigorous studio workshops and site-specific research to address complex environmental and social challenges | Architect Architectural or Public Space Designer City or Sustainable Design Consultant Urban Planner Environmental or Transportation Planner Policy Analyst Community Development Specialist University Professor / Researcher Design Technology Specialist Architectural Historian / Theorist |
Creative Writing
Creative Writing Program(s) | Focus | Career Pathways |
|---|---|---|
MFA or PhD | Advanced craftsmanship across core genres, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and screenwriting Intensive workshop critiques, literature seminars, and faculty mentorship, culminating in book-length manuscript | Novelist Poet Playwright Editor Writing Instructor Literary Arts Administrator Content and Communications Writer |
Journalism
Journalism Program(s) | Focus | Career Pathways |
|---|---|---|
MA, MS, MFA, and PhD | Professional MS/MA degrees focus on multimedia reporting, investigative journalism, and data analytics MFA in Literary Non-Fiction emphasizes narrative storytelling, book-length manuscripts, and lyrical prose Ph.D. programs in Communications train scholars in media theory, quantitative research, and digital ethics | Journalist / Reporter Editor Multimedia Producer Communications Specialist Documentary Filmmaker Media Studies Professor |